Comprehensive Planning

Comprehensive Plan Updates in Progress:

• Thorndike
• Madison
• Norridgewock
• Solon
• Manchester (in State review)

Completed Comprehensive Plans:

• MANCHESTER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN- REVIEW IN PROGRESS
• BELGRADE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1/9/2026
• BRIGHTON PLANTATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1/5/2026
• BINGHAM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 10/24/2025
• SKOWHEGAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 8/29/2025
• WINTHROP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 6/18/24
• WINSLOW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2/1/24
• READFIELD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 9/15/23
• ROME COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 5/17/23
• CHINA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7/27/21

Why Create A Comprehensive Plan?

KVCOG can assist with the creation and update of Municipal Comprehensive Plans to meet the towns long term planning goals and the State level requirements for Plans. Services range from basic information and guidance to a full service contract option at a subsidized membership rate to create a new plan for a community.

Why create a Comprehensive Plan?

Communities complete Comprehensive Plans for a variety of reasons. At their most basic level, communities complete Comprehensive Plans to prepare for the future. A comprehensive review of community issues and policies promotes discussion among neighbors and can help communities avoid problems that sometimes occurs when community decisions are made in a piecemeal fashion.
A comprehensive plan is a guide to the future for the town. It is not an ordinance or a set of rules, it is instead a guide for the town government to move in the direction the people want. It provides a map indicating what direction the town wants to go in over the next 10 years, and it also provides a “snapshot in time” of the town.
Good planning makes good communities.

What does a good Comprehensive Plan enable a community to do?

• Sustain rural living and a vibrant village center.
• Preserve a healthy landscape and a walkable community.
• Balance economic prosperity with quality of life
• Protect working waterfronts and/or community farms.
• Develop a discussion among neighbors.
• Develop a basis for sound decisions in town management.

What financial incentives are available to communities with a consistent Comprehensive Plan?

State Law and various agencies have established incentives for communities to develop Comprehensive Plans. Over $80 million is awarded through 25 state grant and loan programs that either require or encourage applicants to have a consistent comprehensive plan. These include:

• DECD Funds / Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
  • Housing Assistance - $500,000
  • Home Repair Network - $1million
  • Public Infrastructure - $1million
  • Downtown Revitalization - $300,000
  • Public Service Grant - $50,000
• Land for Maine’s Future - Multiple grants of $25,000
• Land and Water Conservation Fund - $500,000
• MDEP 319(h) Non-Point Source Protection Grants - $50,000 - $150,000
• DEP State Revolving Loan Fund - $200,000
• MDOT Village Partnership Initiative – Varies by Project but at least $50,000+
• MDOT Stream Crossing grant - $200,000

More than $4 million is available to towns with a consistent Comprehensive Plan!